Longtime 1st Baptist pastor has retired

Pastor Steve A. Robinson recently retired as senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Van Wert after ministering at the church the past 15 years (since January 2003).

Pastor Steve Robinson and his wife, Ethel.photo submitted

Pastor Robinson has been in full-time Christian ministry since 1971 and has more than 45 years of ministry experience. He says that, although he will miss serving as pastor at First Baptist, he is looking forward to what God has for him and his wife Ethel in the future.

Both Pastor Steve and Ethel Robinson were born and raised in Enid, Oklahoma.

Pastor Robinson graduated from Grand Rapids School of Bible & Music with a diploma in Christian education, received his Bachelor of Arts degree at Grace College and went on to attend Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he obtained his Master of Divinity degree. He also received a diploma from the Institute of Holy Land Studies while in Israel. He has also pastored several other churches during his tenure of ministry.

The membership at First Baptist recently held a farewell service for the Robinsons and hosted several special guest speakers for the day who have been closely affiliated with the Robinsons over the years. Guests speakers included Joe Goodman of Ethnos 360 (formerly New Tribes Mission), Chris Brown of Life Action Ministries, Deacon Dale Magee of First Baptist Church in Burnettsville, Indiana, and the Robinsons’ son, Ben, who is the director of correspondence and constituent services in the Alaska Governor’s office in Juneau, Alaska.

Rev. and Mrs. Robinson continue to reside in Van Wert for the time being. Ethel Robinson is currently employed at Ameriprise, and, in the days ahead, Pastor Robinson hopes to have occasional opportunities preaching for churches that need help with pulpit supply ministry.